Choosing a high-performing cooler can feel like a tough task with all the options on the market. Brands like RTIC, Yeti, and Pelican are some of the top contenders that you may be considering.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at these three brands, comparing their quality and performance to help you make an informed decision. Ready? Let's dive in and pick out your next cooler!
Quality and Performance Comparison
Quick Recommendation
Take a quick recommendation by checking out our product list or scroll down for more detailed reviews.
- Ultimate durability and long-lasting ice retention for outdoor adventures: RTIC vs Yeti
- Ultimate durability and bear-resistant for outdoor enthusiasts on-the-go: RTIC vs Yeti
- Extreme ice retention for outdoor adventurers: RTIC vs Pelican
- Ultimate durability and ice retention for outdoor adventurers: RTIC vs Pelican
Comparison Table
| Product | Volume | Ice Capacity | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTIC 45 QT Hard Cooler | 45 Quarts | 35 lbs. | 1 year | $249.99 |
| YETI Tundra 45 | 45 Quarts | 37 lbs. | 5 years | $325.00 |
| RTIC 20 QT Hard Cooler | 20 Quarts | 20 lbs. | 1 year | $149.99 |
| Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler | 21.5 Quarts | 19 lbs. | Lifetime | $199.95 |
RTIC vs Yeti - 45 QT Cooler Comparison
RTIC 45 Quart Hard Cooler
Ultimate durability and long-lasting ice retention for outdoor adventures.
Highlights
- 3-inch foam insulated walls keeps contents cold for extended periods of time
- 45 - quart capacity provides ample storage space for camping trips
- Durable, rotomolded material ensures long - lasting use
- Seven color options add a stylish touch to the cooler
- Lightweight at just over 25 pounds, making it easy to transport
- Box packaging makes it convenient for shipping or storage
The RTIC 45 qt Hard Cooler is a versatile and durable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its wide range of sizes and multipurpose use make it inherently adaptable, whether you are planning a beach outing or embarking on a fishing trip. One feature that truly scales up its functionality is the cooler's ability to double as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or extra cutting board – designed with user convenience in mind.
When comparing with Yeti and Pelican coolers, RTIC stands out mainly due to its combination of insulation and competitive pricing. The up-to-three inches of foam insulation ensures your food and beverages will remain ice-cold for an extended period. This long-lasting ice retention proves invaluable for those extended trips where access to fresh supplies can be challenging. In terms of longevity, the RTIC Hard Cooler showcases impressive impact resistance ensuring durability no matter how adventurous your expedition gets.
RTIC encompasses practical features but also delivers high performance without breaking the bank compared to its competitors like Yeti and Pelican which offer similar features at higher prices. In essence, the RTIC 45 qt Hard Cooler provides both value-for-money and reliable cooling solutions necessary for any successful outdoor endeavor.
Pros
- Lower price point than competitors
- Available in multiple sizes for versatility
- Can be used as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or cutting board
- Heavy - duty rope handles allow for easy portability
- Up to 3 inches of insulation provides superior ice retention
Cons
- Limited color options compared to other brands
- Can be heavy and bulky, especially in larger sizes
This RTIC hard cooler is perfect for adventurous outdoor-lovers looking to take their drinks, food, and fun beyond the ordinary with long-lasting ice retention and extreme insulation. Get ready to go next level – grab your RTIC Hard Cooler now and explore new possibilities.
Product Info
Link: RTIC 45 QT Hard Cooler
Price: $249.99
Additional Sizes:
RTIC 20 QT Hard Cooler Price: $149.99
RTIC 65 QT Hard Cooler Price: $289.99
YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
Ultimate durability and bear-resistant for outdoor enthusiasts on-the-go.
Highlights
- High customer ratings with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon
- Durable construction with PermFrost Insulation for maximum ice retention
- Generous size of 45 quarts, providing ample storage space
- Portable design allows for easy transportation
- Anchorpoint tie-down slots
- Available in 14 colors
When comparing coolers, the YETI Tundra 45 stands out due to its impressive construction and practical features. With dimensions of 25 3/4 in long x 16 in wide x 15 3/8 in high, it's a mid-sized cooler that can fit up to 28 cans at a recommended ratio of ice-to-contents of about 2:1 making it perfect for outdoor events or family fishing trips.
The YETI Tundra is outfitted with heavy-duty rubber T-Rex Lid Latches featuring patented keeper technology for extra secure closure. Its Rotomolded Construction means it’s virtually indestructible and armored from all angles, standing up to anything your adventure throws at it.
Although the Tundra's price point may be higher than competitors like RTIC Coolers, the superior insulation retention time clearly demonstrates why this model is considered one of the best on the market when considering strong performance under rugged conditions.
Pros
- Heavy - duty rubber lid latches ensure durability and prevent latch breakage
- Rotomolded construction makes the cooler virtually indestructible
- PermaFrost insulation keeps ice frozen for extended periods of time
- Bear - resistant design when coupled with bear-proof locks, provides added safety and security
Cons
- High price compared to other coolers on the market
- Bulky and heavy, making it difficult to transport
This durable, bear-resistant YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to confidently carry perishables on their adventures.
Product Info
Link: YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
Price: $325.00
Additional Sizes:
YETI Tundra 35 Cooler Price: $275.00
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler Price: $375.00
RTIC vs. Pelican - 20 Quart Cooler Comparison
RTIC 20 Quart Hard Cooler
Extreme ice retention in a small cooler. The 20 quart RTIC cooler boasts many of the same features as the 45 quart discussed above. Let's look at some of the highlights.
Highlights
- Insulated for optimal temperature retention, keeps ice cold up to 10 days
- 20 - quart capacity provides ample space for camping essentials
- Convenient handle for easy transportation
- Traction lid
- Non-slip feet
The RTIC 20 QT Hard Cooler offers a fantastic blend of portability and performance for those seeking an outdoor cooler. The RTIC cooler shines with its prism of usability that goes beyond just cooling. It’s available in several sizes from the compact 20 qt to a massive 145 qt version, which is a beneficial feature when considering the volume required for your adventures.
Besides being an efficient insulated portable ice chest box perfect for beach trips, picnics or fishing outings, it doubles up as a bench, step stool or extra cutting board - making it truly versatile. With up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation providing long-lasting ice retention coupled with heavy-duty rope handles designed for easy transportation on all terrain. Its design choices ensure both practicality and convenience without compromising vital factors such as durability and thermal efficiency.
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes ranging from 20 qt to 145 qt
- Can be used as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or cutting board
- Designed for long - lasting ice retention with up to 3 inches of insulation
- Made with heavy - duty rope handles for easy portability
Cons
- Limited color options compared to other coolers on the market
- Some users have reported issues with the lid latches breaking or not securing properly
- The cooler may be heavier than expected, especially when filled with ice and beverages
The RTIC Hard Cooler is the perfect choice for outdoor adventurers who need a reliable and durable cooler to keep their food, drinks, and meat cold on any adventure. With up to 3 inches of insulation this cooler offers extreme ice retention ideal for camping, beach trips, barbecues or boating. If you’re looking for an all-purpose solution then look no further – grab your RTIC now and get ready to explore!
Product Info
Link: RTIC 20 QT Hard Cooler
Price: $149.99
Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler
Ultimate durability and ice retention for outdoor adventurers.
Highlights
- Spacious interior dimensions of 12" x 6.70" x 14.10", providing ample room for storage.
- Unique tall and slender design can accommodate a bottle of wine and is easy to pack behind car's front seat
- Thick insulation of 0.78", keeping contents cold for extended periods of time.
- Made with high - quality materials such as polypropylene, polyurethane, ABS plastic, and stainless steel for reliability and durability.
- Convenient handle material made from polypropylene for easy carrying and transportation.
- Integrated lid cup holders
- Guaranteed for life
The Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler is a reliable and feature-packed solution for your on-the-go chilling needs. This cooler outperforms similar products in the market by keeping your beverages cold for an extended period. This makes it perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. The unique design includes integrated cup holders in the lid, offering a convenient spot to place your drinks—no need to worry about spilling when you're enjoying time outdoors.
In terms of usability, the easy press & pull latches make access to your chilled goodies a breeze, while molded-in tie-downs ensure stability even during rough travels or outdoor adventures. It also features non-skid & non-marking raised rubber feet that provide additional traction and prevent scratching surfaces—an essential inclusion when dealing with potentially slippery surroundings like poolsides or campsites.
Weighing just over 12 pounds, it's lighter than most coolers in its class yet highly robust thanks to its polypropylene walls and stainless-steel hardware—features that solidify its longevity backed by Pelican's lifetime warranty against breakage or defects in workmanship. And there’s no denying how handy the built-in bottle opener can be! With ample space accommodating up to four bottles of wine plus ice or 15 canned beverages plus ice—it proves superior both performance-wise and capacity-wise against RTIC counterparts making it a clear winner for those seeking maximum value from their investment.
Pros
- Convenient cup holders in the lid
- Comfortable and easy to carry with rubber grip handle
- Durable construction with a guaranteed lifetime warranty
- Unique design to accommodate taller items
- More expensive than some competitors
- May be heavier and bulkier to carry
- Limited color options available
If you're an adventure seeker looking for a durable cooler that will keep your contents cold for days, the RTIC vs Pelican is the perfect solution. With its advanced features and lifetime guarantee, you can trust that it will stay with you on all your trips. Get yours today!
Product Info
Link: Pelican 20QT Elite Cooler
Price: $199.95
Features and Design Comparison
When comparing features and design, RTIC coolers offer a variety of options including hard-sided and soft-sided coolers with excellent insulation capabilities. Read on to discover how they stack up against Yeti and Pelican coolers.
Durability and Construction
Hard-sided coolers by RTIC, Yeti, and Pelican boast of roto-molded construction that enhances their durability. This feature ensures the cooler can withstand harsh outdoor conditions without easily giving in to wear and tear.
The YETI soft coolers stand out with exceptional ruggedness due to their high-quality materials. Similarly, RTIC hasn't cut corners on quality. Their build design measures up to YETI's, employing a variety of robust features and superior elements for lasting endurance.
Durability in these brands drastically impacts performance levels and overall quality assessment of these products in the market.
Pricing and Value for Money Comparison
When evaluating the cost and value of RTIC, Yeti, and Pelican coolers, keep in mind not only the initial purchase price, but also the cooler's durability, warranty, and overall performance.
| Brand | Price Range | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|
| RTIC | Mid-Range | RTIC coolers offer similar quality and features to Yeti coolers, but often at a lower cost, making them a great value pick. |
| Yeti | High-End | Yeti coolers are renowned for their performance and durability, but they are also usually more expensive than other brands. Their slightly superior ice retention may justify the high cost for some consumers. |
| Pelican | Mid-Range | Pelican coolers offer a competitive alternative to Yeti coolers. They are reasonably priced and come with a lifetime warranty, offering excellent value for money. |
Remember, the best cooler for you largely depends on your specific needs and budget.
Conclusion
When it comes to coolers, both Pelican, RTIC, and Yeti deliver impressive performance. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value durable construction, insulated design, and long-lasting ice retention, any of these products would serve you well.
